One of many gated forest roads in this area, Maple Sally has a reputation of its own. Referenced by the locals as “18 mile road,” thats exactly what it is. Ride this, and you’ll be remembering that name because it goes on and on and on. It really does never seem to end...up, down, around (repeat).

Though in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, Maple Sally follows the east slope of Wilson Ridge, which is no small geographic feature. This ridge includes a chain of several mountains over 2500 ft.

As forest roads go, this really has it all. Its remote setting promises plenty of sights to enjoy including wildlife and plenty of streams and small waterfalls that come off of the ridge.

Wilson Ridge Trail is atop this ridge, but there are not many places to loop it without committing to all of it. Not recommended, but possible. One shorter option, the Loose Mountain Loop can be pieced together for a nice taste of each of these.

The road can be accessed from both ends, but as the elevation chart shows, it rides a little easier from the north end. Keep that in mind if you are looping this or doing an out/back. If starting the ride on the south end, good access points are at the ballfield in Collettsville or along Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Both require some pavement to get there.

Take Murphy Place Rd. off Adako Rd. to access Maple Sally. Note that this road is also named Maple Grove Church Rd. also. On the north end, you can park at the end of Schoolhouse Ridge Road - FSR 4068 and follow route 90 to Maple Grove Church Rd. to connect-up.